B1nounemotionspsychology
US/ˈnɜːr.vəs.nəs/
UK/ˈnɜː.vəs.nəs/
the feeling of being worried or afraid about something that is going to happen
In context
She could not hide her nervousness before the job interview.
A wave of nervousness passed through the room as the results arrived.
His nervousness showed in the way he kept tapping the table.
Words that go with nervousness
verb + noun
- hide nervousnessHe tried to hide his nervousness with a joke.
- overcome nervousnessPractice helps you overcome nervousness on stage.
- show nervousnessThe speaker did not show any nervousness.
adjective + noun
- visible nervousnessHer visible nervousness worried the teacher.
- slight nervousnessI felt a slight nervousness before the flight.
noun + preposition
- nervousness aboutHer nervousness about the exam kept her awake.
- a sense of nervousnessThere was a sense of nervousness in the crowd.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
nervousness for the examCorrect: nervousness about the exam